Close Reading

I'm from Asia and recently moved to Canada with my family to live a slower-paced and safer life. I've seen firsthand that the drug problem here is worse than it was back home, and they're being coddled with no plans to discipline or rehabilitate them. I asked my friends how I could defend myself and my family if a random drug addict broke into our house and stole our belongings; could I at least beat that person up until the police arrived? They said you couldn't because you'd be charged with assault. It's funny. \n\nApart from the crimes and exorbitant living costs despite living in a rural area, even Canadians who have lived in the country since birth are struggling to make ends meet. \n\nSome positive comments, Canada provided me with a work-life balance that was not possible in Asia due to the competitive nature of the corporate world. So I had time to spend with my family, and you don't have to travel abroad to see beautiful scenery. Canadians are also very accommodating and friendly, in contrast to where I came from, where people will not help unless it benefits them as well. The Canadians here are extremely friendly. So Canada is great because of its people, but I can tell you that the government consistently makes bad decisions about how to solve certain problems, such as drugs and harm reduction strategies. Another issue is that they do not recognize internationally trained professionals, which could have helped alleviate healthcare issues in our area, where we have many internationally trained nurses from the Philippines working as restaurant servers and janitors. We have doctors from Kenya who have to work as general laborers and in other odd jobs where they can use their profession and experience to help people. I am also an immigrant, but the government should strategically distribute us based on our qualifications. I chose a rural area because I don't want to add to the number of immigrants in big cities and instead want to contribute to the local economy by bringing my skills and experience to the pool. \n\nCanada is a wonderful country, and I continue to believe so, but the government must reward and do more for its people who are trying their best to make this country great.

schools in America and Canada are DAYCARE. they aren't Schools. also you seriously forgot to mention the rampant BULLYING that goes on., your child WILL be made fun of whether he is white black or any other race. dealing with that is scary frustrating and really hurtful. even priyanka Chopra was bullied as was I many many times by all races except Indian (I am Indian NRI living and working in New York City as a teacher in public and private schools including college courses for 20 years now). your children WILL suffer in the primary and secondary school systems here. ONLY college is where you can actually be expelled or arrested for certain types of bullying. I don't think you realize how serious this issue as a parent...I went to school in India for 5 years as a child and never once do I remember being bullied. when I came here, it was nearly every day or other day. total nightmare. forget grades. I was having so much mental anguish.

I am from the Philippines, and I have many relatives in Canada, and they are FRUSTRATED about the high costs of living, many of them, especially the Older generations are coming back to the Philippines, because of the HIGH costs of living, fortunately for me, I choose to MIGRATE to the US, which is for me is a LOT easier, again, maybe this is according to your own settings.

The government still thinks with 750 dollars welfare money a human being can live in canada. Single guys have to live in dumps called rooms in basements and couples have to give away 75 percent of their combined income to rent a half decent apartment. So much for the canadian dream life! Looking back after 28 years living in canada i think i was better off living as an alien in usa than living here. I am still lucky to have a house otherwise i would have been in a mental hospital now. Dirty cities, over crowded hospitals, freezing temperatures, high taxes and many more issues. Still canada is better than 90 percent of the world but to have a little better life you have to sacrifice a lot, almost all your life.

I immigrated to Canada 50 years ago. (Legally of course) anyone where I am from ask me if they should move here now, I am emphatic in NO!! A hard No! We used to have a great country, now its a living hell and a compitition in wokeness and stupidity. Thanks to both Trudeaus #1 for setting the table and #2 for finishing the job. 25 years from Canada will be a 3rd world country. By our own stupidity and leinency.

I resigned from a comfortable position in a top international IT company when I decided to come to Canada, only because I saw Canada as a country that was the best, even unmatched in maintaining humanitarian values above any politics or foreign policy. I am now considering leaving like many others, not due to a lack of opportunities or living needs but a seemingly severe lack of morals, disregard for humanity, and undermining human rights for the sake of politics and foreign policies of the government amid the current carnage in Palestine. When you see hundreds of thousands of Canadians, including Jews, protesting on the streets of Canada, demanding that Canada push for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine, and see no reaction from the government because they are afraid to annoy the USA, you wonder if the government really represents the nation's will.

The cost of living is too high in Canada. I am born and raised here but I have many immigrant friends, and lots of them are planning to go back home because it's easier there. It's too expensive here now, a lot of them work low paying jobs, and 10 years ago they could support their families with their wages, but now it's impossible. It's a sad day for Canada when a Filipino wants to go back home because life is easier there. The financial struggle is a burden on us all, except most of us don't have somewhere else to go. We're stuck here.

I am not argue with the narrator of this video. It is his preconceived notion of what is good living. But I am living in Manitoba for more than 40 years and I really really love it. I raise my kid here and they were educated here. I have no regret living in Manitoba even if I came from a tropical country. This is home and impact a happy home for us. I visited other province also but nothing I can compared to Manitoba. Manitoba is where my hearts are and will be forever.

That´s 100% accurate. I myself am being slowly priced out of Canada. I have left, temporarily, due to very low living costs AND availability of health care in my homeland. I still want to go back to Canada, but high rent prices and a over 2 year waiting line for my medical treatment is preventing that... Even though I have to pay WAAAY more for my treatment in South America. Really tough.

I am Canadian, retired, living with disability but I can not afford to live in Canada so I moved to Bulgaria. Do I like it here ? No! What a way to be retired and forced to move out of the Country.

17 years in Canada ?? immigrated from Bengaluru… I am blessed ?, respectful, and my gratitude ? will always be there for this beautiful country Canada ??…. We lived in Banff for 8 years and now we are living in a small town between Calgary and Red deer. This country is only for hardworking people not for cowards. So people who run from here are such people are the ones who wants to be in comfort zone and don’t want to do anything for themselves.. basically lazy people with ego and attitude ???

Great work of yours BUT I really need to say something to most of u making those videos and the ones that go along. I come from a very civilized country with a lot of education and history but awful economy. ?? I am myself educated but my country’s main salary is 700€/month and a descent one bedroom apt is the same price. There are no jobs no future if u don’t come from a rich fam. I am taking the brave decision to leave my country and loved ones and immigrate to Toronto. I Google ‘moving to Toronto’ and I only see videos that are pointing how awful is to leave in Toronto. Like it’s garbage city! \nHave u ever lived in a country like mine? Have u seen the cost of living and salaries in Europe? What about third world countries?? \nHow can u speak down so much on a place just because u have to hustle to start? Does life owes us an easy effortless life? \nYour POV is very Americanized - I have lived also in the USA for almost a decade. \nDon’t discourage ppl that way. I have high standards but I’m not entitled, I can work and u should be more thankful that u can follow your dreams and live from YouTube in Toronto. People hustle big time u don’t seem to understand so I really can’t engage with that even if it’s well made. \nThank u ?

Certainly, she is not being fair when it comes to presenting the facts. Her honesty is quite questionable. If someone secures a job like the one she's discussing, undoubtedly, very few would choose to remain in such a place.\nA message to the author: Please refrain from misleading young individuals for the sake of views. It's not advisable to continue creating videos when you can't truly understand the challenges of Canadian life and employment in just a few months.\nI strongly advise young people and families to reconsider their plans of moving to Canada. Invest a bit more effort and consider going to the United States instead. You can establish yourself in the USA, and don't assume that it's necessarily expensive. While it might be costly in larger cities, Indian students often share apartments to split the rent. In smaller towns like Kalamazoo, MI, the cost of living can be very affordable. Additionally, you'll likely find Indian employers who can provide you with cash jobs.\nWho am I? I'm someone who immigrated to Canada 22 years ago with a master's degree from a prestigious institute and a B.Ed. certification. I'm a certified teacher in Los Angeles and Ontario, Canada, but I never managed to secure a proper job in Canada. Later on, I earned a Master's degree in statistics from McMaster University, but I still couldn't find a suitable job, not even a laborer's job at that time.\nToday, you might be able to find a laborer's job, but you'd likely be stuck in such roles for the entirety of your working life, struggling to make a decent living. That's the reality of Canada. Moreover, don't assume that you can easily move from Canada to the USA; it's quite challenging to do so. Instead, consider the option of moving directly from India to the USA, which is a much more feasible path.\nMy sincere request is this: If you wish to pursue your dreams, seriously consider the USA. If, like me, you want to face the kind of challenging circumstances I've experienced, then you can come to Canada.\nCheers.

Certainly, she is not being fair when it comes to presenting the facts. Her honesty is quite questionable. If someone secures a job like the one she's discussing, undoubtedly, very few would choose to remain in such a place.\n\n\nA message to the author: Please refrain from misleading young individuals for the sake of views. It's not advisable to continue creating videos when you can't truly understand the challenges of Canadian life and employment in just a few months.\nI strongly advise young people and families to reconsider their plans of moving to Canada. Invest a bit more effort and consider going to the United States instead. You can establish yourself in the USA, and don't assume that it's necessarily expensive. While it might be costly in larger cities, Indian students often share apartments to split the rent. In smaller towns like Kalamazoo, MI, the cost of living can be very affordable. Additionally, you'll likely find Indian employers who can provide you with cash jobs.\n\n\nWho am I? I'm someone who immigrated to Canada 22 years ago with a master's degree from a prestigious institute and a B.Ed. certification. I'm a certified teacher in Los Angeles and Ontario, Canada, but I never managed to secure a proper job in Canada. Later on, I earned a Master's degree in statistics from McMaster University, but I still couldn't find a suitable job, not even a laborer's job at that time.\nToday, you might be able to find a laborer's job, but you'd likely be stuck in such roles for the entirety of your working life, struggling to make a decent living. That's the reality of Canada. Moreover, don't assume that you can easily move from Canada to the USA; it's quite challenging to do so. Instead, consider the option of moving directly from India to the USA, which is a much more feasible path.\nMy sincere request is this: If you wish to pursue your dreams, seriously consider the USA. If, like me, you want to face the kind of challenging circumstances I've experienced, then you can come to Canada.\nCheers.

This is a great video and so true.. but I have looked to escape the US, I am more than financially-free and no family in the states becaused they all died. I lived places for months at a time in the world, its also very lonely when you don't speak the local language or are not part of the culture. I lived on many parts of Europe and South America and traveled to 59 countries.. We are not a part of those cultures, it may make more sense to find communities in the US in rural areas that have co-living, co-working spaces..

I am a Canadian exasperated with the wait times for medical care here. There is a lot of prejudice in Canada against America. Our politicians are ruining our economy and many Canadians are more interested in sensationalism about American politics than they are about problems here. Everyone living in peace and safety can afford to criticise others. But Canada was safer, friendlier and more economically responsible in the past. There are unsafe neighbourhoods here, too. There is poverty here, too. Those who don't see deterioration are not looking closely. We battle the same demons as any people group and are just as vulnerable to calamity as our American neighbours. I don't want to leave my country. The people I love are here. The rising cost of living gives me fears about future homelessness. I grew up as a patriotic Canadian and believed America was our friend. We thought maybe Americans were more prone to bragging while Canadians were more modest. My nearest city used to be vibrant and friendly and now it is colder, more dangerous and there is visible ruin from addiction.

Toronto resident here. Cost of living has become more expensive. I share an apartment with my someone and we are paying about $3,000 per month with few amenities. It requires both our incomes to be able to afford to live here and we're just getting by. I have lived in the core of the city since 2005 but was born and raised in the GTA and have never lived anywhere else. Since about 2015, costs have gone way up and now they are just plain unaffordable. I live close to Sherbourne and Queen and while I see a lot of homelessness, I do not really see much violence. The area south of Queen is much more gentrified and I am never walking in fear, no matter what time of day or night. The Transit system has been under construction for over a decade and it just doesn't seem to end. More and more historic buildings are being converted to condos and I see tons of construction everywhere. Traffic has become nightmarish with too many cars and not enough roads. We are considering a move to Montreal because of the rental costs are about $1000 per month lower, though neither of us is francophone. I am not sure how the powers that be will be addressing the housing crisis moving forward. It's a huge challenge and I may not be around to see the outcome. Having said this, it's going to be really tough to say goodbye to this city.

it is indeed shocking what is happening to Canada, I am preparing a few videos about Vancouver, Canada became disturbingly expensive :(. and I don't think this trend will subside. \nAlina you look very cute in those ads)). Look forward to see what place you will choose for further living. love your channel! <3 Perhaps later when my channel grows we can collaborate :), I'd like to continue with stories about relocation.

I am a dual citizen, spending 6 months/year in Canada, working remotely for a Canadian bank. It was pretty comfortable living in Canada years ago, however I'd prefer living in the US now. Canadian advantage over USA, healthcare system, is deteriorating very fast, with hordes of new immigrants coming every year ... Canada soon will be a hostile to the US country with current levels of immigration from Asian countries unfriendly to USA. I am considering leaving Canada for good, heading back to the US or moving to Portugal/Spain, selling a house in Canada will allow buying a nice property elsewhere.

Sooooo.. here is my own side of the story .. i am happy he said *if you are stable*… well for most ppl in a situation like mine.. jobless here in Nigeria or living on 50k salary, no connection to get good jobs, nobody willing to help, getting a canadian visa is like winning the lottery.. its hard dere but i bet we will b able to cope nd cnt complain bcos it already is hard here too(worse)… we cn start small and grow… as for the racism honestly the tribalism here too is real.. all i am trying to say is what can they throw at us that we havnt already experienced, i mean ppl in my class… so was i happy when i got my visa some months ago? 100%.. also 100% ready for the new challenge.. long story short there are two sides to being an immigrant… please correct me if i am wrong ?

I was born and raised in BC. This is not the same country i grew up in and its only getting worse. Luckily for me my father is American and has been living in Hawaii for the last 35 years. So that is where I am headed for a few years. If Trudeau gets the boot I may come back. But as long as he is the PM he is going to continue to destroy this country

20 years ago when I worked for a film distribution company here in Tokyo, my favorite film festival was TIFF (alongside the Berlin film festival). The film festival itself was great but I absolutely loved the city and even dreamed of living there. I haven’t be able to go back ever since but I am saddened to know how much it has changed?

Depends on hands you landed on.' The motive that brought you here' the focus in a foreign country' the effort you put to change your destiny too to live a better life. Usa and canada is a place of education and business to grow. What is in your mind? There re alot of kenyans living great life in usa and canada. Those who follow ghetto behaviors like them we found' they copied those behaviors and their life become worse than in kenya. Again power of choice. I am a single mom living in usa. Brought kids here saw them through education and they re doing good. Your purpose will drive you to your desire. Many voices will be heard but life in foreingn countries is not bad. Some people go back home and after few years come back. Why is life is that bad

Frankly, every country has its negatives and positives. Australia is a highly multicultural country and people are respectful of each other. In fact, if you go to outskirts of Sydney in regional NSW or any other state in Australia, people are very warm and friendly. Sometimes, it’s a matter of luck and also your skillset and English language ability. I am an immigrant myself and as a family we have been extremely happy here. The health system is fantastic, which is very important in my opinion. If you are a professional with excellent English abilities, you can get best of high paying jobs. It all depends on individual situations and background. I agree, summers are hot but that’s pretty much only 10-15 days in a year, and I think it’s reasonable compared to living indoors 7-8 months depressed due to severe cold and snow. Be happy wherever you are, stay positive and work hard, the rest will fall in place.

Its really bad in Canada right now. I can't visit any Gurudwara because all have turned into Khalistani haven. If you speak in favor of Bharat, they target you and even beat you up. Health care is very bad. I had severe tooth pain but did not get any support . I was asked to come after 4 months. I came back to India for a holiday and I can't convince myself to go back. Khalistanis are making it hell and even threatening Hindus. Govt is supporting them so there is no hope for future. Except for some big Canadian Universities, most are scam and are targeting Indian students. They know Indians want to migrate there. I have seen students waste their money at these crappy Universities, after which they did not get any job and ended up coming back to India. Think and Research a million times before you decide to go to Canada. India is much better than Canada and most probably I will move back. I will have to go back once to pack up everything but I am leaning towards living in India. I might look for jobs in USA and UK but I am done for Canada. It is too much hype

I lived there for many years and always wanted get out and I did. For me it was always dirty, ugly, dangerous and mean. Life style is important and sometimes even more important than your high paid job if living there makes you unhappy. I moved, I am happy and guess what I have better living condition, life style and also better paid job elsewhere. Research you will find a place for yourself instead of going mental in this nasty city.

I am living in Canada for the last 25 years. You are ? right. Thinking to spend some time in my home country. After retirement working for 25 years you may get old age benefits of retirement and pension about 950 cad dollars after age of 65 . Your medicine become free. Wait time in Emergency about 7 to 8 hours in Toronto and GTA. The 950 dollars are a help for bill payments. If you have mortgage you can not survive. Comparing Canada to USA , one can find job easily in USA.

Born and raised in Toronto. I have lived here my whole life for over 50 years. The city has changed drastically and very rapidly. As my retirement approaches and my kids finish University, I am out of here. The crime, the cost of everything, terrible transit and roads that look like they have gone through a war. I live by the lake and we have homeless tent encampments and people living along the train tracks ( and this is the suburban part of Toronto, by the Rouge valley) These are only a few of the reasons why Toronto has changed for the negative ( and I do not see it getting any better)

Lucky you , you did not stay there in the winter or else you would have committed suicide ??.. only job in the winter is to pee come back & watch TV & blow every day snow from the drive way … yes every day ? but I do not live in Canada, I have many family members living there I keep going there as well , I am settled in the US .. but the so called problems of yours in Canada is the same here in the US as well but for me these are the things I love love out here …. Particular about timings , no one comes home without calling , every one is of same standard, kids don’t have to study like donkeys day & night … ( for what ) … out here to have a RV, a boat , suv , saloon car , a bike for summer ride are within every ones reach … at-least that was all my dream … I live in a city yet I have a private 1/2 acre private plot whereas in Mumbai I will have to be a film star ?? here there is no hanji hunji .. I hated the most …out here anywhere we go we take our token number & we are looked after accordingly lastly out here in the west the most amazing thing & the most important thing in life is .. let’s say your business is lost or your job is gone your neighbour’s don’t care you can start from scratch again .. In India one has to commit suicide ????

Well done! I hope everybody understands the difference between a normal sikh living anywhere in this world and khalistani groups. I am a sikh and i am proud of it

I moved to usa in 2014 after leaving a good paying job in Kenya. Honestly I don’t regret it my kids are thriving especially with free education and good health care. Financially am never broke. I’ve invested in kenya comfortably. We can also comfortably afford to vacation outside usa. Meanwhile my former colleagues in Kenya even with pay rises they still get broke struggling with school fees and medical needs haven’t invested and can’t vacation outside Kenya. I moved to a cheaper state in usa where the cost of living is affordable. If you move to usa avoid expensive states.

I am currently living in Canada, but wanted to move to California to get a “higher pay” in my field. \nWhat’s holding me back is the healthcare in Canada. In my union, I get 100% insurance in Vision, Dental, Check-ups, Drug Prescription etc.. \nMind that I NEVER waited for months nor years to get any Health related appointments.\nIn the US, (My friends in the same field) says that their health insurances are not 100% covered unlike in Canada.\nBut, I’m also thinking “If I could get a higher pay, then I could pay for the remaining balance” \nWhat I’m scared of is, until when am I able to pay for that? Even if I get savings, and I get seriously ill my savings will go straight to my medical bills. ++ The shootings. Whether the gun is registered or not, Shooting is a shooting. Once my child goes to school, It will surely make me paranoid of school shootings.\nAside from health benefits, both US and Canada has benefits. Both have support for low income families, both get child benefits, Food stamp(free food) for low income families. Etc..\n\nI really wanted to move to US tho.\nI want to gain more experience, and more money Lol.\n\nI need all of your opinions!! Haha!!

1. I'm a ??can who moved to Europe 22yrs ago through recruitment agency - the employer paid for my professional REGISTRATION with the nursing board, for my work authorisation permit before I even left, sent me a written 2 yr work contract, the flight(return), a taxi pick up from airport & accommodation for 2 the 1st weeks bnb.\n2. I had worked in ?? for 15yrs, 3 diplomas and a post grad degree, I and had bought myself a small property 4yrs into my career on a 60% government subsidy.\n3. I was in a management position for over 7yrs. \n4. Looking back now, the people I went to college with got millions of Rands at age 60 for their retirement pension. \n5. I am waiting to be 65 for a mere €32 000 retirement lump sum and a weekly income of about €400 plus. \n6. I bought myself a small property after renting for 9yrs here, it was not easy to raise funds while paying rent which is HALF YOUR SALARY, but it was worth it. I still have a balance on my bond which my pension lump sum wont even shift\n6. The regrets I have is that:\ni) I missed out on family, friends and christianity quality life, \nii) I spent too much money flying home every yr and sometimes 2 X a yr to keep my sanity and to bond with my family - adult kids and siblings & now grandkids\niii) I could have had a fair and equal opportunities to improve have more accademic and work status in my own country than in a foreign land & my experienced would have been not only recognised when it suits the employer, but it could have been openly VALUED and NURTURED if I was serving in my own country\niv) I could have retired 3 yrs ago and had a paid up bond and a nice retirement car\nThe POSITIVE side is that: \ni) I have a property in a good area that I can rent out for extra income \nii) I have enjoyed travelling around the world and living in A relatively SAFE COUNTRY for over a decade.\niii) I have come to realise that - \na) There's no place like home - we often take for granted, the standards of practice and quality of education and customer service and the advancement in technology both in both education, work and BANKING in our countries untill we travel and live abroad\nb) it is easy to bring your expertise & work ethics abroad and work like and educated slave for a small price\nc) I have come to realise that, Half the time, most of Our stories as a nation are told by someone else, and the world keeps the narrative going.

I am living in Pickering\nYahan ke Locals bahot faqeer hai, agar idhar walmart jaoge toh ungliyon par ginn sakte hon buyers ko\nYahan par Sirf social networking se job milta hai, qualifications aur experience ki ghanta khadarr nahi\nIts a bad bad Country, Touchwood\nMain Canada ku 1/10 number deta hun, jobs very scarce

As an international student, I am currently in Canada, and the grass is not always greener. The narrative spread out there is contrary to the reality when you get here. Sadly, I worked at an agency back home and I regret all the lies I told people, I was coached to do. Don't make the mistake of coming to Canada without the right papers, most people are scammed by agencies through this, and you will have a hard time. Trust me, you don't want to be homeless during winter, it is brutal. Don't come to Canada, if you don't have lots of money, the cost of living here is insanely expensive. If you have a good life in Kenya and earn over 70K, that will guarantee a better life back home than here.

I moved to Toronto in 2021. I've wanted to live in the city and have finally bought my condo in the city of Toronto. I love the city, especially during the summer time. Toronto Summer is so much fun and a great place to be in Canada. I am sick of all the Toronto bashing the past couple months. Yes, there are a lot of problems and yes they're all really bad and need to get resolved. And in all honesty, Toronto is probably one of the better big cities to live in in Canada. Despite all the negativity, TTC violence hasn't really gone up on paper. A lot of aspects about Canada are still strong even among western countries. I've been to Vancouver and Montreal. And those are cities have a lot of problems and a lot of different problems than Toronto.\n\nThe reasons that she specified in her video are all valid and they all make sense. I just want to say that I'm sick of all the Canada bashing and all the Toronto bashing. Toronto is a great place. I'm going to be still living in this city as some years it's going to be down and it's going to come right back up again in another few years.

@LynnNgugi I am a Kenyan-Canadian-American, and my family and I lived in Canada for over 6 years. It is a wonderful country if you have the right documentation and career. Life is more expensive in some provinces, so you have to do your homework. But we loved living there and even owned a home. We moved back to the US so that our kids (American born) could grow up closer to their grandparents and cousins. But I am proud to be both a Canadian and American citizen ❤

I am a Kenyan living in Toronto for 8years now. Most people coming from outside who did enough research on the cost of living and getting work often find success. Having met a few of the Kenyans who were featured in the newsclip (which was totally gaslighting type news) the common theme is that they moved to Canada - first on refugee status, without sufficient research on cost of living, the timeline between their refugee status and getting a work permit to start working and expectations of the kind of jobs they can get as a new immigrant to Canada. I moved here as a student and even with over 10years prior work experience, I had to start from the bottom and worked up. And this happens even to people moving here from UK, Australia etc, its not a bias toward people of color. Things are hard everywhere !!

YEP. DO NOT MOVE TO TORONTO. I think you're beings very kind. It's a mess. No planning has led to a city that is out of control and ugly. The worst part is the water front.... which simply has disappeared. \nYeah, anyone living in Toronto needs to be seeing a therapist...unfortunately you won't be able to afford one!\nI live outside Toronto in an apartment, (I never, ever thought I'd live in an apartment) and I pay $3000. And there is plenty of random violence where I am as well. I had a first hand experience. It's really, really sad \nI would leave this country no problem, but living here through lockdown and stuff has me rather down?

Thanks Lynn for bringing this up. I am a Kenyan living in Canada. You highlighted the most important thing- due diligence. There are a lot of people that come here with a promise of a better life and the notion is that it’s instant. I want to confirm to you that it’s better life, but it’s not instant. You have to put in the work and prove your worth. You have to gain Canadian experience to get a decent job. Also be ready to go back to school and upgrade your skills. There are jobs here zinaitwa Trades. These are the jobs that we don’t value at home but pay amazingly well here. Construction, Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanics, Carpentry, Welding, Hairdressers, Tailors.. Those are very valued skills here- if you can invest in learning these trades but pia ukikuja hapa you have to convert your certs to Canadian ones by doing an exam or going back to school . If you are into office jobs, make sure you have market relevant skills that align to this country. Be ready to embrace the digital revolution and mpende hesabu. Accounting is very much valued here. The secret is be ready to start from the bottom, be ready to upgrade yourself, be ready to work like you’ve never worked before… You will make it eventually .. Mungu mbele! \nI am confirming that we are going through a recession here and as per the market trends, it’s only going to get worser until we get to a point of stabilization. The housing market is crazy, food costs and gas (fuel)costs are off the roof .. it’s not easy. So if you have a good job in Kenya, hold onto it for now until things get better ( due diligence /research) .. Make sure you have the right visa that allows you to work here. That visitors visa theory is not working anymore. \nOverall Canada is a good country with lots of opportunities but it’s not for the faint hearted. \nLastly, be prepared for the harsh winters and days of severe loneliness- Si lakini ni life? Kila nchi ina challenges zake. God bless!

I live in Canada as a Kenyan and I have been here for sometime .I work as a HR/Payroll Specialist also certified in the field. The problem is not Canada , Canada is a very good county which I love and I am gland God gave me the Opportunity to Come and settle here with my family.. The problem with some people coming here is lacking of knowledge how Canada works .It’s system is very far from how things work in Dubai or Gulf countries. A lot people are thinking than you can just come and get any job even without proper papers or you can earn a lot of money and then build wealth quickly. Which is A BIG FAT LIE. The tax in Canada keeps you humble. That is how Canada funds it's high end life many admire and want to be part of. The more you work in Canada the more tax you pay and many don't know this, and it is one of the main reasons why a lot of people start to regrets, because they realize there effort of working hard is not paying as they hoped. Another thing in Canada is next to impossible to get jobs or rent a place without proper paper work, like work permit, It is not like USA where you can use someone else papers to work. the The main available jobs , easy to get , don’t pay much. And also the cost of living is very high in some provinces like Ontario and BC. They hardly recognize credentials from outside unless you came through a job offer. Also because a lot of things in Canada are paid by the government through taxes, like health care, education. Unless you are tax paper with (and I repeat) Paper work, you cant access the benefit, including thee free food available for the needy. \nMany people forget Canada is looking for people to work for them. Not to grow rich and leave. The system is meant to keep you working. Unless you understand how a system of a country works, one will continue to blame it. Let people get well informed and well educated first , before they jump in the river. And it’s not Canada a lone , but any country in the world. Also a lot of these media post about Canada are misleading. And there is also another trap called debt, a lot of people once they getting working, rush to but things they cant afford and it becomes a stress instead of a blessings.\nIf you want to live well and enjoy Canada . One of the top thing to do is, go back to school once you enter in it, get a good education and you will get a good job. Also give yourself time to adjust. REMEMBER you are starting from square one. You are not continuing where you left in Kenya or in the country you get from. Also, the general social climate is not as friendly as those in USA for example. Not many people are willing to help for free. The most jobs advertised in Canada are the lower end paying jobs, which a lot of people pay a lot of money to come for, just to realize the job they left behind was far much better than this, but no one told them that, just because it said $18 hrs and you converted it to your country and looked a lot, doesnt mean it carries the same wait once you earn in from here. The living expense are very different. The reality is, it is not where you are , but whom you are and determination knows no barrier. Anyone who will trust God for help, work hard/smart and be patience in life, they will make. It might take longer than they expect, but they will get their eventually.

Lynn I am a Kenyan living and working in BC.The problem is that Kenyans have left their fate in the hands of agents. Most of the guys on the streets are here on visitor visas. The agents told them they can convert their visitor visas to work permits. True! But they dont tell them how hard it is to do it! (Harder than rocket science hahahaha)You must get a job with an LMIA(this document proves to the government that the employer has not been able to get a Canadian or permanent resident to do the job thats why they want to hire a foreigner) most of these guys don't even have enough money to survive for a month bcoz 'they will get jobs and convert their visas to work permits' \nLike that Indian guy said you need a skill. Canada is looking for skills and you can develop these skills in your home countries and get jobs for 20:44 YOURSELF in CANADA. If you dont have a job in Canada you will struggle for sure.

The problem with majority of us is that we are not doing any research, personally I wanted to go to Canada 3 years ago and after a year of doing research I came up with three findings that changed my mind completely, first the taxes their are crazy, cost of living in Canada isn't just manageable and thirdly the climate there is crazy especially during winter, am so happy still working in Qatar earning my 160 grands kenyan money tax free

As a Kenyan living in Switzerland, one of the most expensive countries in the world, i‘d share these thoughts: \n\nDo due deligence. Don’t leave your country without any proper structure of what you are going to do\n2. Once you are there, live within your means. Like for example why should i get a car and incur additional cost when there is cheaper reliable transport system. You must be financially disciplined to be able to survive here.\nAs a matter of fact, I am a PhD student, in the lowest salary bracket, but I am far much financially more stable and liquid than I was as a high school teacher. \nSo do your due deligence and be disciplined. And people should stop generalising stuff because they screwed up somewhere

Hi Lynn. First of, I would like to say that I'm such a huge fan of yours. Since you started at Tuko and still following to date. You are an inspiration to me and so many people out there. I love and respect what you stand for and your work. I completely resonate with everything you are about. Second, I've lived in Canada for over 30 years now. I am Eritrean and was born in Kenya. Moved to Canada when I was about 9 and have lived here since with my family. I have to say that for us, Canada has been a God Send. It has helped us in so many ways, and we are so grateful for the opportunities and life it has given my family. From health care to schooling and job opportunities. We also cane here in 1989. So times and cost of living was very different than it is now. Of course, times have changed now, and the economy and standard of living have too. There are pros and cons to everywhere we live in the world. Everyone is different and has different experiences. There are various factors that may affect everyone's perspectives and experiences when they come to Canada, whether it was a long time ago or recently. Some factors could be, weather, economy, feeling lonely ( no family), language barriers, support...etc. Change is not easy at all and can affect t your whole emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Social life here is also not like it us back home...just alot of factors. People here work and work to make it. My mom brought us here as a single widowed mom. My sister and I were very young. But she was determined to give us a better life and worked her whole life, and it has paid off. It depends on how you look at everything and what your goal is. My mother was determined and made it happen and has raised us on her own very successfully. She loves Canada and appreciates it for everything it has done for us. Everyone's experiences are different. You have to do your research before coming and come with an open mind. Overall... Canada for us has been a blessing. \n\nI hope that helps somehow. But again, everyone's perspective and experiences are just as valid and rightfully so. \n\nI hope to meet you someday. Love you, Lynn, From Canada ?? ❤️

I am from the carribean living in canada since I was 20 now 50 still living in canada just doing the job I love babysitting even if I have a medical deplome in health care and able to work with the Government. You cam make it if you're money smart but the best thing to do first is to invest in your own country first because the trap is if you invest in the country you move to you will be working and paying bills for ever. The skill and luck is what makes it like me. Plus stay as long with roommates until you save enough money to invest in your country.

Am a kenyan Canadian and living in canada is the best decision I have ever taken. Lot of kenyan are paying agencies to come to canada through visit permit. People should blame agencies who promise them jobs not canada government . When you come to canada through visit permit you need to change to work permit or study permit. Actually there are thousands of kenyan who have come through visit permit and they are claiming refugee status. Canadian Government is doing its part by giving all claimed refugees shelter and give the money for upkeep. When you have visit permit you can't work in canada but you can convert it to work permit which is not easy but an expensive process. You need to get a company that can process you lMIA that labour market Impact assessment . You need skills to get a company to apply you Lmia or uende China ya maji you pay Indians who have companies in kenya $30-$40 to apply for you lmia. Or you can convert your visit permit to study permit and universities here are damn expensive. Getting a Canadian to marry you for status is very hard. In short am trying to say if you do not come through work permit or landed immigrants life wil be tough use the money you are paying agencies to start something in your country. They are so many opportunities in canada if you have the right papers or status. As for me am a happy single mom who as accomplished alot here and I love canada .

I landed in Toronto in 1984, it was clean, safe and affordable. I was able to support myself going to university in the early 90’s working part-time as a waitress. Tuition was much cheaper back then and of top of that I was able to get a grant from the government (which was scrapped I believe). I used to walk down Yonge Street late at night with friends until we reached College Street to go have breakfast at the Golden Griddle on Carton Street. I miss the Maple Leaf Gardens and the CNE Grandstand. There were no shootings at nightclubs when I went dancing. Then things started getting really bad, the cost of living and the violence skyrocketed so I decided to move to Quebec City at the end of 2014. I worked hard on my French and now I am a civil servant for the Quebec Government. I have no regrets. I am lucky to have known Toronto The Good. If you want to reminisce about the streets of Toronto in the 1980’s look for the Night Ride videos here on YouTube. Cheers ??

That’s so sad about Canada. Somebody derailed this country. As an immigrant I feel so bad because for years I was advocating Canada as a best country on this planet. Now, still living in the moist beautiful place in Canada in The Rockies…I am very proud I am immigrant because if things go the way they go now I can always escape to my mother land… thank you Justin ?

Hi are you In new Brunswick? I am thinking about moving there for a lower cost of living but can you tell me if it's easy to find jobs there?